Youth Development Specialist - PAL

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory seeks a Youth Development Specialist for the Positive Alternative Learning (PAL) program in Hilo. This non-exempt, full-time role supports at-risk youth and families, supervised by the Program Coordinator of Hilo Prevention services.

Duties include outreach, crisis intervention, case management, and youth programming. Requirements include a BA or AS in human services with related experience, Hawaii driver’s license, TB clearance, CPR/First Aid, and

Qualifications

• BA degree in human services or related field with one year job-related experience, or AS degree with three years job-related experience.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license.
• Valid TB clearance and pre-employment medical clearance.
• Valid first aid and CPR certification.
• Completed DHS FBI/Criminal history & CAN, and Salvation Army background clearances.
• Driver’s record meeting authorized driving standards of the Salvation Army.

Responsibilities

• Provide community-based outreach services to at-risk youth in schools, homes and community settings; connect youth and families to resources and services.
• Provide crisis intervention services as indicated.
• Use a risk-focused prevention approach for intake/assessment, develop service plans, and provide prevention/intervention services.
• Provide case management services and assist youth and families in utilizing community resources.
• Monitor youth’s progress in school, home and community.
• Develop, organize, schedule and supervise group program recreational and craft activities for youths during after school, evenings and weekends, including indoor and outdoor activities.
• Develop and implement skill-building programs to prevent substance use, teen pregnancy and provide life-skills training.
• Ensure program rules and procedures are followed by staff and volunteers.
• Maintain logs of participation and complete required reports to track performance targets and contract requirements.
• Obtain certification to operate a 12-15 passenger van for transportation of youths.
• Maintain professional relationships with workers, clients and staff.
• Participate in agency sponsored programs such as Project Family.
• Maintain documentation on assessments and service activities.
• Attend staff meetings, training, conferences and workshops as scheduled.

Skills

Driver's license

TB clearance

First aid and CPR certification

DHS FBI/Criminal history & CAN clear

Salvation Army background clearances

Salvation Army driving standards

Education

BA degree in human services or related field

AS degree in Human Services or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) for the Positive Alternative Learning (PAL) program is a non‑exempt full‑time regular 40‑hour position that is part of the Hilo Outreach/Prevention programs. Services are targeted to at‑risk youth and their families in the community. The YDS is supervised by the Program Coordinator of the Hilo Prevention services.

Essential Qualifications

• BA degree in human services or related field with one year job‑related experience, or AS degree in Human Services or related field with three years job‑related experience, or a combination of education and experience to meet requirements.
• Valid Hawaii driver’s license.
• Valid TB clearance and pre‑employment medical clearance.
• Valid first aid and CPR certification.
• Completed DHS FBI/Criminal history & CAN, and Salvation Army background clearances.
• Driver’s record meeting authorized driving standards of the Salvation Army.

Essential Functions

• Provide community‑based outreach services to at‑risk youth in schools, homes and community settings; connect youth and families to resources and services.
• Provide crisis intervention services as indicated.
• Use a risk‑focused prevention approach for intake/assessment, develop service plans, and provide prevention/intervention services.
• Provide case management services and assist youth and families in utilizing community resources.
• Monitor youth’s progress in school, home and community.
• Develop, organize, schedule and supervise group program recreational and craft activities for youths during after school, evenings and weekends, including indoor and outdoor activities.
• Develop and implement skill‑building programs to prevent substance use, teen pregnancy and provide life‑skills training.
• Ensure program rules and procedures are followed by staff and volunteers.
• Maintain logs of participation and complete required reports to track performance targets and contract requirements.
• Obtain certification to operate a 12‑15 passenger van for transportation of youths.
• Maintain professional relationships with workers, clients and staff.
• Participate in agency sponsored programs such as Project Family.
• Maintain documentation on assessments and service activities.
• Attend staff meetings, training, conferences and workshops as scheduled.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Willingness to accept and implement the Salvation Army philosophy.
• Sound judgment, dependability, empathy, firmness, caring, organization and high energy.
• Knowledge of public service agencies and community agencies for liaison.

Mental Demands

• Work under stressful conditions.
• Interact with others with courtesy and tact.
• Interact with a wide range of people and situations.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team; participate in staff training and growth groups.
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Respond to crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Complete projects on schedule.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; may require flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands

Requires sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching, crouching, standing, walking, manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination, use of vision, driving a vehicle, pushing/pulling/lifting or carrying 25‑50 pounds and sometimes more than 50 pounds, traveling by airplane. Implements safe restraints of youth involved in physical confrontation.

Communication Demands

Requires talking to co‑workers, clients, vendors, telephone communication, written communication, training/giving verbal and written instructions, receiving instructions, writing, reading, visiting other work sites, communicating via technology.

Skills / Technical Knowledge

Prioritize multiple work tasks to meet tight deadlines.

Equipment Needs

Use office equipment such as computers, photocopiers, scanners, calculators, etc.

Description of Work Environment

Most work will be indoors at Family Intervention Services. Attendance at trainings, both in Hawaii and on the mainland, may be required.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelors of Human Services (preferred).

Experience: Refer to Job description for details (preferred).

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.